Which type of spectrogram is easier to see formant frequencies?

The wideband spectrogram is recognized as the option that makes formant frequencies more visually discernible. This is largely due to its design, which employs a shorter analysis window. As a result, wideband spectrograms provide greater temporal resolution, allowing for better visualization of rapid changes in the sound spectrum over time. This makes it particularly suitable for analyzing speech sounds, as formants—resonant frequencies of the vocal tract—can be identified more easily.

In contrast, narrowband spectrograms utilize a longer analysis window, which enhances frequency resolution but can obscure finer temporal details. This may result in formant frequencies appearing less distinct. While narrowband spectrograms are useful for analyzing pitch and harmonic structures, they are not as effective as wideband spectrograms for highlighting the formant structures that characterize speech sounds.

Understanding the characteristics of these spectrogram types is crucial for tasks involved in speech analysis, such as identifying vowel sounds, where formants play a key role. Therefore, the wideband spectrogram is preferred for tasks where clarity of formant representation is essential.